Question

What type of process is used to separate liquid mixtures based on differences in volatility?

• A. Filtration
• B. Extraction
• C. Adsorption
• D. Distillation

Hint:

Distillation separates liquid mixtures by boiling and condensing components based on differences in their volatilities (boiling points).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Volatility is the tendency of a substance to vaporize. Separation of liquid mixtures based on their relative volatilities involves the conversion of a more volatile component into vapor, followed by its condensation.
Distillation is the process specifically designed to exploit this property. It works as follows:
- The mixture is heated.
- The more volatile component (lower boiling point) vaporizes first.
- The vapor is then condensed and collected separately.
This technique is widely used in petroleum refining, alcohol purification, and chemical separation.
Now examining the other options:
Filtration: Used for separating solids from liquids or gases — does not depend on volatility.
Extraction: Used to separate components based on solubility differences.
Adsorption: Relies on adhesion of molecules to a surface — not based on volatility.
Thus, distillation is the correct and most appropriate method for separating liquids based on volatility.